Lessons from the Richest Man in the World

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Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates has amassed more wealth than anyone else in the world, in the shortest amount of time in history. Last year Microsoft became the first company to top five hundred billion in market value as its stock closed at a record high. The company's value was equal to the ninth-largest economy in the world. Bill Gates personal holdings hovered at nearly one hundred billion. What can you learn from the richest man of all time?
1. Believe in yourself.
  It sounds simple -- even Pollyanna -- but it could easily be the core secret to Bill Gates and others success. At age eleven he confidently told his pastor he could succeed at anything he put his mind to. While still in middle school he boasted he would make his first million before reaching age twenty-five. Everyone likes to bet on a winner. Do you exude enthusiasm and conviction when you talk about what you have to offer?
2. Team up with others.
  Find like-minded partners who excel in areas where you do not. If you are a great idea person but hate sales you could be doomed without a partner who loves to sell. If you've got the vision, but fail at handling details find someone who is detail oriented. Bill Gates and Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen met in middle school and the two began profiting from their passion for writing software at age thirteen. While at Harvard Gates met Steve Ballmer, who now runs Microsoft's day-to-day business. Gates is quoted as saying that without Paul and Steve there would be no Microsoft.
3. Focus your energy.
  At an early age, Bill Gates demonstrated a keen ability to channel his energy in the direction of his intended goals. Classmates noted that he would often turn in school work that far exceeded what was assigned. He continues to take what he calls "think weeks" where he isolates himself to read, write, study the competition and strategize for the future.
4. Look for opportunities others are ignoring.
  Be willing to share the wealth.
  Gates realizes that Microsoft's success relies on the caliber of it's people. When the company first incorporated in 1981 he offered generous stock options as a way to attract and keep top talent. Hundreds of employees and shareholders have become millionaires since the company went public in 1986. His willingness to give extends to his philanthropic endeavors as well. Gates and his wife have already endowed two foundations with 10 billion dollars to support causes in global health and education.
5. Learn from your mistakes.
  Microsoft was slow to develop application software. The company's first was a spreadsheet program called Multiplan in 1982. But by the time it hit the market it was already being eclipsed by the more versatile competitor Lotus 1-2-3. Gates would later triumph with Microsoft Excel and Word. By bundling key business applications as Microsoft Office, he soon dominated the application software market.
6. Correct breakdowns.
  Gates is strong believer in what he calls "feedback loops." Microsoft commits more resources than most companies towards gathering information from their most dissatisfied customers. For every one person who voices a complaint to the company there are likely to be ten who share their disgruntled feelings with a friend instead. Such dissatisfaction can spread like wildfire and kill a business. Likewise, if you're an employee and there's a misunderstanding brewing between you and a boss or coworker, clean it up as soon as possible.
Gates believes that you need to be motivated by more than just pure determination to succeed. One should follow a path that they truly enjoy. Look for opportunities which provide natural outlets for your unique form of self expression. In other words "follow your bliss" and the money will take care of itself.

The company's first software was a spreadsheet program called Multiplan in 1982. But by the time it hit the market it was already being eclipsed by the more versatile competitor Lotus 1-2-3. Gates would later triumph with Microsoft Excel and Word. By bundling key business applications as Microsoft Office, he soon dominated the application software market.
Correct breakdowns.
Gates is strong believer in what he calls "feedback loops." Microsoft commits more resources than most companies towards gathering information from their most dissatisfied customers. For every one person who voices a complaint to the company there are likely to be ten who share their disgruntled feelings with a friend instead. Such dissatisfaction can spread like wildfire and kill a business. Likewise, if you're an employee and there's a misunderstanding brewing between you and a boss or coworker, clean it up as soon as possible.

Gates believes that you need to be motivated by more than just pure determination to succeed. One should follow a path that they truly enjoy. Look for opportunities which provide natural outlets for your unique form of self expression. In other words "follow your bliss" and the money will take care of itself.